Time updating and load management systems

ABSTRACT

An electrical distribution system for distributing electrical power throughout a residence. The electrical distribution system includes a plurality of electrical distribution lines configured to distribute electrical power to one or more appliances; and an electrical panel in communication with (i) a utility company and (ii) the plurality of electrical distribution lines. The electrical panel is configured to receive the electrical power from the utility company, and distribute the electrical power onto the plurality of electrical distribution lines for consumption by the one or more appliances. The electrical panel is further configured to receive, from the utility company, time data indicating a current time of day, and provide, through the plurality of electrical distribution lines, the time data to each of the one or more appliances so that the one or more appliances can keep track of the current time of day.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/700,433 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,911,32), filed on Jan. 31, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/883,255, filed on Jan. 3, 2007. The disclosures of the applications referenced above are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to remote control of appliances, and more specifically to remote control of appliances via electrical distribution lines.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a functional block diagram of a residential electrical distribution system is depicted. A house 100 includes an electrical panel 102, which communicates with a utility company 104. The electrical panel 102 distributes electric current from the utility company 104 to an electrical distribution line 106. The house 100 includes appliances such as a stove 110, a video cassette recorder (VCR) 112, a clock (such as a wall clock or alarm clock) 114, and a microwave 116, which consume power delivered by the electrical distribution line 106.

The stove 110, VCR 112, clock 114, and microwave 116 include display clocks 120, 122, 124, and 126, respectively, which graphically display the time of day. The display clocks 120, 122, 124, and 126 must each be programmed when the associated appliance is installed, when power is lost in the house 100, and when daylight saving time begins and ends.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, this specification describes an electrical distribution system for distributing electrical power throughout a residence. The electrical distribution system includes a plurality of electrical distribution lines configured to distribute electrical power to one or more appliances; and an electrical panel in communication with (i) a utility company and (ii) the plurality of electrical distribution lines. The electrical panel is configured to receive the electrical power from the utility company, and distribute the electrical power onto the plurality of electrical distribution lines for consumption by the one or more appliances. The electrical panel is further configured to receive, from the utility company, time data indicating a current time of day, and provide, through the plurality of electrical distribution lines, the time data to each of the one or more appliances so that the one or more appliances can keep track of the current time of day.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a residential electrical distribution system according to the prior art;

FIGS. 2-6 are functional block diagrams of exemplary electrical distribution systems according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7-12 are functional block diagrams of exemplary master generators according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13-14 are flow charts depicting exemplary operation of master generators according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15A-15B are functional block diagrams of exemplary appliances according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 16A-16B are functional block diagrams of exemplary master generators according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17-20 are functional block diagrams of exemplary load management systems according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary load manager according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart depicting exemplary operation of a load manager according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 23A-23B are functional block diagrams of exemplary appliances according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 24A-24B are functional block diagrams of exemplary load managers according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25A is a functional block diagram of a hard disk drive; and

FIG. 25B is a functional block diagram of a DVD drive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

The present disclosure discloses a system for automatically updating time on appliances or other electronic devices that communicate with the electrical distribution system of a home or other location. In addition, the present disclosure describes load management of the appliances or other devices to reduce power consumption of these devices. The following discussion will initially relate to time updating systems followed by discussion of load management systems.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of an electrical distribution system according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. A house 200 includes an electrical panel 202, which communicates with a utility company 204. The electrical panel 202 outputs one or more phases of electrical current onto one or more electrical distribution lines 206.

The house 200 includes appliances such as a stove 210-1, a videocassette recorder (VCR) 210-2, a clock (such as an alarm clock or wall clock) 210-3, a microwave 210-4, and/or other appliances 210-5. Other appliances 210-5 may include such appliances as a clothes washer, a clothes dryer, a hot water heater, a furnace, and a sprinkler system.

The stove 210-1, VCR 210-2, clock 210-3, microwave 210-4, and other appliances 210-5 include receivers 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, 220-4, and 220-5, respectively, which communicate with display clocks 224-1, 224-2, 224-3, 224-4, and 224-5, respectively. The appliances 210 receive electrical power from the electrical distribution line 206. The receivers 220 receive control signals transmitted over the electrical distribution line 206.

The house 200 includes a master generator 230, which includes a transmitter 232. The transmitter 232 transmits control and/or data signals onto the electrical distribution line 206. These control and/or data signals may include the current time of day, the date, and/or other control and/or data signals. The receivers 220 receive these control and/or data signals and update the associated display clocks 224. The master generator 230 may be programmed by a user with time data.

As used throughout the disclosure, time data may also be accompanied by, or be inclusive of, date data, unless specifically stated otherwise. Even if the master generator 230 does not communicate date data to the appliances 210, the master generator 230 may still store date data for other purposes, such as for updating time data based upon daylight savings time. The master generator 230 can then communicate time data to the appliances 210, which are in communication with the electrical panel 202. In this way, the user only has to set date and/or time in one location. The master generator 230 may include a backup battery, so that when power is lost, time data is preserved.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a functional block diagram of an electrical distribution system where time data is received via a network is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 2 are used to identify similar components. A house 300 includes a master generator 302, which includes a transmitter 306 and a network interface 308. The network interface 308 communicates with a broadband interface 312.

The network interface 308 may be wireline and/or wireless, such as IEEE 802.3 and/or IEEE 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11n, 802.16, 802.20, and Bluetooth. The network interface 308 may also include a universal serial bus (USB) controller. The broadband interface 312 may include, for example, a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modern, a satellite receiver, and/or a router. The broadband interface 312 communicates with a service provider 314.

The service provider 314 communicates through a distributed communications system 316, such as the Internet, with a network time protocol (NTP) server 318. In various implementations, the service provider 314 provides wireless access and the network interface 308 communicates directly with the service provider 314. In various implementations, the master generator 302 and the broadband interface 312 are co-located in a single device 320, and may be implemented as an integrated circuit or semiconductor device.

The master generator 302 can then contact the NTP server 318 or any other host on the distributed communication system 316 to obtain time data. The master generator 302 may also communicate with a local computer (now shown) via the network interface 308 to obtain time data from the local computer. The local computer may then query an NTP server, such as the NTP server 318, or obtain time data from a user. The transmitter 306 communicates time data to the appliances 210 over the electrical distribution line 206, as described in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a functional block diagram of another exemplary electrical distribution system where time data is received via a network is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 2 are used to identify similar components. A house 350 includes a master generator 352 and a network access module 354. The network access module 354 includes the network interface 308, which communicates with a host, such as the NTP server 318, on the distributed communications system 316 via the broadband interface 312.

The network interface 308 receives time data from the host. A control module 356 directs a transceiver 358 to transmit the time data over the electrical distribution line 206. The master generator 352 includes a transceiver 360 that receives time data from the network access module 354 via the electrical distribution line 206. The master generator 352 communicates time data for the appliances 210 onto the electrical distribution line 206 via the transceiver 360.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a functional block diagram of an exemplary electrical distribution system where time data is provided by a utility is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 2 are used to identify similar components. A house 400 includes a master generator 402. A utility company 404 includes a time generator module 406. The house 400 includes an electrical panel 408, which communicates with the time generator module 406 of the utility company 404.

The time generator module 406 maintains time data and periodically transmits the time data to connected systems, such as the electrical panel 408. The master generator 402 includes a transceiver 410, which receives time data broadcast to the electrical panel 408. The master generator 402 then uses the transceiver 410 to transmit time data to the appliances 210. By re-broadcasting time data, the master generator 402 can amplify signal levels and translate between the data format used by the utility company 404 and that expected by the appliances 210.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a functional block diagram of another exemplary electrical distribution system where time data is provided by a utility is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 5 are used to identify similar components. A house 450 includes the appliances 210. A utility company 452 includes a time generator 454, which periodically broadcasts time data. This time data passes through the electrical panel 408 to the appliances 210. Each of the appliances 210 receives the time data and updates the associated display clock.

FIGS. 7-12 depict exemplary master generators, such as those employed in FIGS. 2-6. Referring now to FIG. 7, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 500, such as the master generator 230 of FIG. 2, is presented. The master generator 500 includes a clock module 502, a transmitter 504, and a radio frequency (RF) receiver 506. The master generator 500 may also include a backup battery 508.

The clock module 502 receives time data from the RF receiver 506, which receives time data from a broadcaster such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The clock module 502 may be powered by the backup battery 508 when power is lost. The clock module 502 directs the transmitter 504 to communicate time data onto an attached electrical distribution line.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 550, such as the master generator 230 of FIG. 2, is presented. The master generator 550 includes a clock module 552, a backup battery 554, a user interface 556, and a transmitter 558. The clock module 552 obtains time data from a user via the user interface 556.

The backup battery 554 allows the clock module 552 to retain time data when power is lost. The clock module 552 transmits time data onto an electrical distribution line via the transmitter 558. This transmission may happen periodically. A rate at which the transmission occurs may be set by the user using the user interface 556. Transmission may be manually actuated through the user interface 556, such as by pressing a button.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 600, such as the master generator 302 of FIG. 3, is presented. The master generator 600 includes a clock module 602, a network time protocol (NTP) client 604, a network interface 606, a backup battery 608, and a transmitter 610. The NTP client 604 communicates with an NTP server (not shown), whether on a distributed communications system, such as the Internet, or on a local computer network, via the network interface 606. The network interface 606 may be wireline or wireless.

The NTP client 604 communicates time data received from the NTP server to the clock module 602. The clock module 602 may be powered during power outages by the backup battery 608. The clock module 602 communicates time data onto electrical distribution lines via the transmitter 610. The clock module 602 may begin this transmission periodically.

Alternately, transmission may occur when the time data received from the NTP client 604 differs by more than a threshold from that previously stored in the clock module 602. In various embodiments, a second threshold may be defined. If received time data differ by more than the second threshold, data corruption may have occurred, and the clock module 602 can delay transmission until confirming time data is received.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a functional block diagram of another exemplary master generator 650, such as the master generator 302 of FIG. 3, is presented. The master generator 650 includes a clock module 652, a backup battery 654, a network interface 656, and a transmitter 658. The clock module 652 receives time data via the network interface 656. The network interface 656 may be wireline or wireless.

The network interface 656 may communicate with a local computer (not shown) that accesses time data via network time protocol (NTP), with a network access module (not shown), etc. The clock module 652 may be powered during power outages by the backup battery 654. The clock module 652 may periodically transmit time data using the transmitter 658.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 700, such as the master generator 352 of FIG. 4, is presented. The master generator 700 includes a clock module 702, a backup battery 704, and a transceiver 706. The clock module 702 receives time data over an electrical distribution line via the transceiver 706. The time data may have been placed onto the electrical distribution line by a network access module or by a local computer.

The time data may also have been placed onto the electrical distribution line by a utility company, as shown in FIG. 5. When time data is already on the electrical distribution line, the appliances may be able to receive the data directly. The master generator 700, however, can be located within a building to receive the strongest possible signal. For example, when attempting to receive time data from the utility, the master generator 700 can be placed close to the electrical panel.

The transceiver 706 can then provide a signal adequate to reach all the appliances in the house. The clock module 702 may also format the time data specifically for the house. For instance, the time may be changed between 12-hour and 24-hour, and the month and day of the date may be swapped to appear in the European order of day/month/year. The backup battery 704 maintains the time data in the clock module 702 during power outages. The clock module 702 periodically may transmit time data onto the electrical distribution line using the transceiver 706.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 750, such as the master generator 402 of FIG. 5, is presented. The master generator 750 includes a repeater module 752 and a transceiver 754. The transceiver 754 receives time data, which may have been transmitted by the utility company, from an electrical distribution line. The repeater module 752 receives time data from the transceiver 754.

The repeater module 752 then transmits the time data to local appliances, such as the appliances 210 of FIG. 5, via the transceiver 754. The repeater module 752 performs functions similar to that of the clock module 702 of FIG. 11. The repeater module 754 does not, however, store time data or periodically update the time data. The repeater module 752 can therefore only accurately broadcast time data at the moment it is received at the transceiver 754.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a flow chart depicts exemplary operation of a master generator according to the principles of the present disclosure. Control begins in step 800, where a timer is reset to a predetermined value. Control continues in step 802, where control determines whether new time data has been received. The steps of FIG. 13 therefore apply to a master generator that passively receives time data.

If new time data has been received, control transfers to step 804; otherwise, control remains in step 802. In step 804, new time data has been received, and the clock of the master generator is updated. Control then continues in step 806, where control determines whether the timer has expired. If true, control transfers to step 808; otherwise, control transfers to step 810. In step 808, time data is transmitted onto an electrical distribution line for receipt by appliances.

Control continues in step 812, where the timer is reset. The value to which the timer is reset determines how often time data is transmitted to the appliances. Control then continues with step 814. In step 814, control determines whether new time data has been received. If true, control transfers to step 804; otherwise, control transfers to step 806. In step 810, if a user has manually requested transmission of time data, control transfers to step 808; otherwise, control transfers to step 814.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a flow chart depicts exemplary operation of an alternative master generator according to the principles of the present disclosure. Control begins in step 850, where a timer, timer2, is reset. Control continues in step 852, where time data is acquired. Time data may be acquired by sending a network time protocol (NTP) request or by receiving radio frequency (RF) signals.

Control continues in step 854, where a timer, timed, is reset. The value of timer1 determines how often time data is acquired. Control continues in step 856. In step 856, if timer1 has expired, control returns to step 852; otherwise, control transfers to step 858. In step 858, if a user has manually requested that new time data be acquired, control returns to step 852; otherwise, control transfers to 860. In step 860, if timer2 has expired, control transfers to step 862; otherwise, control transfers to step 864.

In step 864, if a user has manually requested that time data be transmitted, control transfers to step 862; otherwise, control returns to step 856. In step 862, time data is transmitted to appliances via an electrical distribution line, and control continues in step 866. In step 866, timer2 is reset to a predetermined value, which determines how often the data will be transmitted to appliances.

Referring now to FIG. 15A, a functional block diagram of an exemplary appliance 870 according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. The appliance 870 includes a power supply 872, which receives a power signal over an electrical distribution line from an electrical panel 874. The power supply 872 provides power to a display module 876, a clock module 878, and an appliance control module 880.

The appliance control module 880 includes a receiving module 882, a messaging module 884, a filter module 886, and an updating module 888. The receiving module 882 communicates with the electrical distribution line originating at the electrical panel 874. The receiving module 882 may include a coupling module that transforms the voltage form the electrical panel 874 to a lower voltage.

The receiving module 882 may analyze voltage on the electrical distribution line, such as at zero crossings of a power signal. Zero crossings occur when the voltage of the power signal crosses a reference potential such as zero volts in one or both of the positive or negative directions. The receiving module 882 may apply a frequency filter to only look at signals of interest and not at the power signal. The frequency filter may include a band-pass filter, a notch (band-stop) filter, a high-pass filter, etc. that rejects the frequency spectrum of the power signal. In various implementations, the frequency of the power signal may be 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

The receiving module 882 converts signals of interest into binary data. For instance, presence of a high frequency signal contemporaneous with a zero crossing may be represented as a binary 1, while absence of the high frequency signal at the zero crossing may be represented with binary 0. This binary data is communicated to the messaging module 884. The messaging module 884 analyzes the incoming binary data to determine the beginning and ending of messages.

The beginning of a message may be signified by a specific pattern of binary data, such as six sets of alternating zeros and ones. The messaging module 884 may also analyze messages for error correction data. For instance, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value may be included in the message. The messaging module 884 then determines whether the stored CRC value matches a value computed from the message, and optionally discards messages that fail this test.

The messaging module 884 may also analyze other indicators of reliable transmission. For instance, if every message is communicated on the electrical distribution line twice, the messaging module 884 may wait to determine that the second message matches the first, and then communicate only one of those messages to the filter module 886.

The messaging module 884 may determine the end of a message based upon a fixed message length in bits, or based on control data within the current or previous messages that indicates message length. The filter module 886 analyzes messages from the messaging module 884. The filter module 886 may discard messages not addressed to the appliance 870.

In various implementations, time data is communicated on the electrical distribution line and is addressed to all appliances. However, the time data may be marked with a house code, so that the filter module 886 can remove messages for other buildings. The filter module 886 also analyzes whether the incoming message is a message containing time data. Other messages, such as home automation messages, including light and fan control messages, may also be received.

The filter module 886 can determine the content of a message based upon control data within the message itself, such as header information. Alternatively, a message may be received indicating that one or more subsequent messages will contain time data. The filter module 886 extracts time data from the appropriate messages, and forwards the time data to the updating module 888.

The updating module 888 interprets the time data. The time data may be stored as an integer representing the number of seconds since midnight. Likewise, the date data may be stored as an integer representing the number of days since a specified date, such as 2000. Alternatively, time data could be stored as an integer representing the hour, an integer representing the minute, and in some implementations, an integer representing the second.

The updating module 888 may convert 24 hour time to 12 hour time, or vice versa. The updating module 888 may also transpose day and month in the date data, placing the date data in a day/month/year format common to Europe. The time data is communicated to the clock module 878. The clock module 878 maintains the time data and periodically updates it.

The display module 876 receives the time data from the clock module 878 and graphically displays the time data on an external face of the appliance 870. If the display module 876 displays hours, minutes, and seconds, the clock module 878 should update the time data at least once per second. If the display module 876 only displays hours and minutes, the clock module 878 can update time data once per minute.

Referring now to FIG. 15B, a functional block diagram of an exemplary appliance 900 according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. The appliance 900 includes appliance components 902 and a receiver 904. The receiver 904 includes a power supply 906 and a coupler 908. The power supply 906, coupler 908, and the appliance components 902 receive electrical power from an electrical panel 909.

Other devices (not shown) also communicate with the electrical panel 909. The power supply 906 provides power to components of the receiver 904. The receiver 904 may include a filter 910, a zero crossing detector 912, an automatic gain control (AGC) module 914, a peak detector 916, and a digital controller 918. The coupler 908 may step down the voltage received from the electrical panel 202 and/or electrically isolate the filter 910.

The filter 910 may include a filter such as a notch or band-pass filter to pass frequencies of interest riding on the power signal, such as 120 kHz, and reject the power signal. The filter 910 may include multiple stages to achieve adequate filtration of the power signal. The AGC module 914 receives the output of the filter, and amplifies the output to a predetermined level. The zero crossing detector 912 communicates with the coupler 908, and determines when the incoming power signal crosses zero volts in either of the positive or negative directions.

For most power systems in the United States, the power signal is a 60 Hz sign wave, and therefore zero crossings occur 120 times per second. The zero crossing detector 912 signals zero crossing events to the peak detector 916 and the digital controller 918. The peak detector 916 determines whether the output of the AGC includes a signal of interest contemporaneous with a zero crossing.

Presence or absence of a signal at each zero crossing is communicated to the digital controller 918 as binary data. Time data may be received as binary data received over successive zero crossings. This time data is communicated to a display clock module 920 within the appliance components 902.

Referring now to FIG. 16A, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 930 according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. The master generator 930 includes a power supply 932, which communicate via an electrical distribution line with an electrical panel 934. The power supply 932 provides power to a transmission module 936, an encoding module 938, a clock module 940, a timer module 942, and an time acquisition module 944.

The time acquisition module 944 may acquire time data in ways such as those discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-6. For example, the time acquisition module 944 may receive time data via an electrical distribution module line using a receiver such as the receiver 904 of FIG. 15B. The time acquisition module 944 may also acquire time data via radio frequency (RF) signals, or from a network interface.

The time acquisition module 944 communicates time data to the clock module 940. The time acquisition module 944 may passively receive time data, or may actively request time data. The clock module 940 may instruct the time acquisition module 944 to acquire time data. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the clock module 940 may periodically request that time data be acquired, and also may be manually actuated by a user.

The clock module 940 communicates time data to the encoding module 938. The clock module 940 may communicate time data to the encoding module 938 for transmission to appliances at periodic intervals. The timer module 942 keeps track of these intervals. Additionally, the clock module 940 may transmit time data when received time data differs significantly from time data previously stored within the clock module 940, suggesting that the stored time data was inaccurate.

Additionally, the clock module 940 may transmit time data upon the occurrence of certain events. These events may include power from the electrical panel 934 being restored and a user manually requesting such transmission of the master generator 930. The encoding module 938 converts time data into messages for transmission on the electrical distribution line.

The encoding module 938 forms one or more messages containing the time data. These messages are communicated to the transmission module 936. The transmission module 936 serially transmits messages received from the encoding module 938. In various implementations, the transmission module 936 transmits more than one bit simultaneously, such as by transmitting varying voltages.

In various implementations, the transmission module 936 superimposes a high frequency signal upon a power signal present on the electrical distribution line. This superposition may be performed when the power signal has a voltage near zero volts. The transmission module 936 may transmit a signal at the zero crossing of the power signal, and/or before the zero crossing, and/or after the zero crossing.

Referring now to FIG. 16B, a functional block diagram of an exemplary master generator 950 according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. The master generator 950 includes a transmitter 952 and a clock module 954. The transmitter 952 includes a power supply 956, a first coupler 958, and a second coupler 960. The power supply 956 receives electrical power from an electrical panel 961, and provides stable power to components of the transmitter 952.

The transmitter 952 may include a zero crossing detector 962, an amplifier 964, an AND gate 966, a local oscillator 968, a timer 970, and a digital controller 972. The second coupler 960 receives electrical signals from the electrical panel 961 and provides them to the zero crossing detector 962. The second coupler 960 may reduce the voltage of incoming signals and/or electrically isolate the zero crossing detector 962.

The zero crossing detector 962 outputs a signal to the timer 970 and the digital controller 972 when a zero crossing event has occurred in the incoming power signal. The clock module 954 generates time data for transmission to the digital controller 972. The digital controller 972 then formats and/or processes the data, and prepares a binary output sequence for transmission onto the electrical distribution lines.

The digital controller 972 then serially transmits the binary output sequence. For each one bit, the digital controller 972 sends a signal to the timer 970 upon receiving a zero crossing signal from the zero crossing detector 962. The timer 970 asserts an output from the time it receives a signal from the digital controller 972 until a specified time afterward. The local oscillator 968 produces a periodic signal, such as a 120 kHz sign wave.

The AND gate 966 performs a logical AND operation on the periodic signal from the local oscillator 968 and the output of the timer 970. The output of the AND gate 966 is communicated to the amplifier 964, which amplifies the signal for placement on the electrical distribution line. The first coupler 958 superimposes the output of the amplifier 964 onto the electrical lines. For each zero bit, the digital controller 972 sends no signal to the timer 970, thereby placing no signal on the electrical distribution line. Alternately, the digital controller 972 may swap the operation for zero and one bits.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a functional block diagram of an exemplary load management system according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. A house 1000 includes a load manager module 1002 and an electrical panel 1006. The house 1000 may further include a water heater 1010-1, one or more light fixtures 1010-2, a clothes washer 1010-3, a clothes dryer 1010-4, a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system 1010-5, and a computer 1010-6, collectively appliances 1010.

The electrical panel 1006 receives power from a utility company 1014, and provides one or more phases of power on one or more electrical distribution lines 1016. The appliances 1010 include receivers 1020-1, 1020-2, 1020-3, 1020-4, 1020-5, and 1020-6, respectively, which communicate with control modules 1021-1, 1021-2, 1021-3, 1021-4, 1021-5, and 1021-6, respectively. The load manager module 1002 includes a transmitter 1022 and a network interface 1024.

The network interface 1024 communicates with a broadband interface 1030. The network interface 1024 may be wireline and/or wireless, such as IEEE 802.3 and/or IEEE 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11n, 802.16, 802.20, and Bluetooth. The network interface 1024 may also include a universal serial bus (USB) controller. The broadband interface 1030 may include, for example, a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, a satellite receiver, and/or a router.

The broadband interface 1030 communicates with a service provider 1032. The service provider 1032 communicates through a distributed communications system 1034, such as the Internet, with a remote host 1036. In various implementations, the load manager 1002 and the broadband interface 1030 may be co-located within a single device 1038, and may be implemented as an integrated circuit.

The load manager module 1002 can receive load control signals from the remote host 1036 via the network interface 1024. The remote host 1036 may be controlled by a user or by the utility company 1014. Upon receiving load management signals, the load manager module 1002 can transmit control signals onto the electrical distribution line 1016 via the transmitter 1022. The load control signals are received by the receivers 1020, which actuate power saving modes within the respective appliances 1010.

The load manager module 1002 may transmit a global power reduction signal. The transmitter 1022 may know addresses of the receivers 1020 and transmit individual commands to the appliances 1010. The power reduction signal may instruct the appliances 1010 to reduce power as much as possible, or may instruct the appliances 1010 to reduce power consumption by a certain amount, either an absolute amount (such as a number of kilowatt-hours) or a percentage. The percentage may represent a percentage of the possible power reduction available to the appliance, or may represent a percentage of the total power consumption of the appliance.

For instance, the water heater 1010-1 may be instructed to reduce the temperature of the hot water. The light fixture 1010-2 may dim the lights. The washer 1010-3 may postpone a wash or spin cycle. The dryer 1010-4 may postpone drying or reduce drying temperature. The HVAC system 1010-5 may reduce fan speed and/or reduce the amount of heat or air conditioning produced. The computer 1010-6 may go into a power saving mode, such as standby or hibernation.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a functional block diagram of another exemplary load management system according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 17 are used to indicate similar components. A house 1050 includes a load manager 1052 and the electrical panel 1006.

The electrical panel 1006 receives power from a utility company 1054 and receives load management instructions from a load controller 1056 of the utility company 1054. The load manager 1052 includes a transceiver 1058, which receives load reduction commands through the electrical panel 1006. The load manager 1052 then uses the transceiver 1058 to issue appropriate load reduction signals to the appliances 1010.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a functional block diagram of another exemplary load management system according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 18 are used to identify similar components. A house 1100 includes a load manager 1102. The load manager 1102 communicates with a weather module 1104. The weather module 1104 provides data on temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, etc., to the load manager 1102, so that the load manager 1102 can determine how best to save power in the appliances 1010.

For instance, the dryer 1010-4 may be less efficient in humid conditions. The load manager 1102 may therefore instruct the dryer 1010-4 to delay drying until the load manager 1102 determines that the humidity has fallen to an acceptable level. The light fixture 1010-2 may be dimmed more significantly when the load manager 1102 determines that the outside sky is bright, as determined by a photoelectric sensor or the like in the weather module 1104.

The load manager 1102 may instruct the HVAC system 1010-5 to reduce the amount of heat being generated if measurements by the weather module 1104 indicate that the outside temperature will soon rise. Likewise, if the outside temperature is falling, the load manager 1102 may instruct the HVAC system 1010-5 to decrease air conditioning output.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a functional block diagram of another exemplary load management system according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 18 are used to identify similar components. A house 1150 includes the appliances 1010. The utility company 1054 includes the load controller 1056 that generates load reduction and resume commands.

These commands are communicated to the appliances 1010 through the electrical panel 1006 of the house 1150. The appliances 1010 receive the load reduction commands and take appropriate load reduction steps. When the appliances 1010 receive a load resume command from the load controller 1056, the appliances 1010 resume their previous power state.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a functional block diagram of a load manager 1200, such as the load manager module 1002 of FIG. 17, is presented. The load manager 1200 includes a control module 1202, a clock module 1204, a sensor input module 1206, a power line carrier transmitter 1208, memory 1210, a network interface 1212, a user interface 1214, a backup battery 1216, and a power line carrier receiver 1218. The clock module 1204 stores time data. This time data may be transmitted to appliances (not shown) by the power line carrier transmitter 1208.

The date and time may also be used by the control module 1202 to determine the current rate at which electricity is being charged by the utility company. For instance, the utility company may have higher rates during peak hours, such as from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. During these times, the control module 1202 may generate load reduction signals, or may instruct higher levels of reduction in the load reduction signals.

The sensor input module 1206 receives input from such sensors as indoor and outdoor temperature sensors, light sensors, water sensors, etc. Memory 1210 may include parameters such as utility rates and times, appliance characteristics and load reduction parameters, and software code for the control module 1202. Memory 1210 may include a table that stores characteristics and load reduction parameters for each appliance. Memory 1210 may include volatile and/or nonvolatile storage. The network interface 1212 allows the control module 1202 to interface with a computer (not shown) for easier control by a user, or to receive commands over a distributed communications system such as the Internet.

The control module 1202 may receive time data, weather data, and utility load reduction commands via a distributed communications system such as the Internet. The user interface 1214 allows the user to directly interact with the load manager 1200, such as by programming load reduction parameters, time data, and/or appliance characteristics. The backup battery 1216 allows the control module 1202 to retain state data, such as time data. The control module 1202 may receive time data and/or other control signals via the power line carrier receiver 1218.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a flow chart depicting exemplary operation of a load manager according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. Control begins in step 1250. If a load reduction command is received, command transfers to step 1252; otherwise, control remains in step 1250. In step 1252, control sends appropriate load reduction signals to appliances. Control continues in step 1254. If a load resume command is received, control transfers to step 1256; otherwise, control remains in step 1254. In step 1256, control sends appropriate load resume signals to appliances and control returns to step 1250.

Referring now to FIG. 23A, a functional block diagram of an exemplary appliance 1270 according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 15A are used to identify similar components. The appliance 1270 includes appliance components 1272, an appliance control module 1274, a receiver control module 1276, and the power supply 872. The power supply 872 receives power from the electrical panel 874 via an electrical distribution line. The appliance components 1272 may receive a power signal from the electrical panel 872 as shown in FIG. 23A, or may be powered by the power supply 872.

The receiver control module 1276 includes the receiving module 882, the messaging module 884, and a filter module 1278. The receiving module 882 receives control and/or data signals from the electrical distribution line, as discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 15A. The messaging module 884 converts signals from the receiving module 882 into messages, which are communicated to the filter module 1278.

The filter module 1278 determines whether messages are addressed to the appliance 1270 and whether the messages contain load commands. The filter module 1278 may discard messages that are not addressed to the appliance 1270 or do not contain load reduction and/or resume commands. The filter module 1278 communicates load commands to the appliance control module 1274. The appliance control module 1274 directs the appliance components 1272 to assume a state that draws less power.

Referring now to FIG. 23B, a functional block diagram of an exemplary appliance 1300 according to the principles of the present disclosure, such as one of the appliances 1010 of FIG. 17, is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 15B are used to identify similar components.

The appliance 1300 includes appliance components 1302 and a receiver 1304 including a receiver control module 1306. The appliance components 1302 communicate with an appliance control module 1308, which receives load reduction and resume signals from the receiver control module 1306. The appliance control module 1308 takes appropriate action to minimize power consumed by the appliance components 1302.

Referring now to FIG. 24A, a functional block diagram of an exemplary load manager 1330 according to the principles of the present disclosure is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 16A are used to identify similar components. The load manager 1330 includes the power supply 932, a transmitter 1332, a load control module 1334, an time acquisition module 1336, and memory 1338. The power supply 932 receives power from the electrical panel 934 over an electrical distribution line.

The time acquisition module 1336 receives power control signals, such as power reduction signals and power resume signals. The time acquisition module 1336 may receive these signals via a network interface or an electrical distribution line, as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 21. The time acquisition module 1336 communicates power commands to the load control module 1334.

The load control module 1334 communicates with memory 1338 to retrieve load information about appliances in communication with the electrical panel 934. The transmitter 1332 includes an encoding module 1340 and a transmission module 1342. The load control module 1334 communicates load reduction commands to the encoding module 1340.

The load control module 1334 may send a single global load reduction command or may tailor load commands to individual appliances based on data from memory 1338. The load control module 1334 may send a global load reduction command to all appliances as a multicast, or send the global reduction command to each individual appliance as a unicast. The encoding module 1340 places commands from the load control module 1334 into messages, which are communicated to the transmission module 1342. The transmission module 1342 communicates the messages serially to appliances via the electrical distribution line.

Referring now to FIG. 24B, a functional block diagram of an exemplary load manager 1350 according to the principles of the present disclosure, such as the load manager module 1002 of FIG. 17, is presented. For purposes of clarity, reference numerals from FIG. 16B are used to identify similar components.

The load manager 1350 includes a load control module 1352 and a transmitter 1354 including a transmission control module 1356. The load control module 1352 interprets load reduction commands and sends appropriate load reduction signals, as described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 21, to the transmission control module 1356 for communication over an electrical distribution line.

Referring now to FIGS. 25A-25B, various exemplary implementations incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are shown. Referring now to FIG. 25A, the teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a power supply 1440 of a high definition television (HDTV) 1437. The HDTV 1437 includes a HDTV control module 1438, a display 1439, the power supply 1440, memory 1441, a storage device 1442, a network interface 1443, and an external interface 1445. If the network interface 1443 includes a wireless local area network interface, an antenna (not shown) may be included.

The HDTV 1437 can receive input signals from the network interface 1443 and/or the external interface 1445, which can send and receive data via cable, broadband Internet, and/or satellite. The HDTV control module 1438 may process the input signals, including encoding, decoding, filtering, and/or formatting, and generate output signals. The output signals may be communicated to one or more of the display 1439, memory 1441, the storage device 1442, the network interface 1443, and the external interface 1445.

Memory 1441 may include random access memory (RAM) and/or nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, phase change memory, or multi-state memory, in which each memory cell has more than two states. The storage device 1442 may include an optical storage drive, such as a DVD drive, and/or a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDTV control module 1438 communicates externally via the network interface 1443 and/or the external interface 1445. The power supply 1440 provides power to the components of the HDTV 1437.

Referring now to FIG. 25B, the teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a power supply 1482 of a set top box 1478. The set top box 1478 includes a set top control module 1480, a display 1481, the power supply 1482, memory 1483, a storage device 1484, and a network interface 1485. If the network interface 1485 includes a wireless local area network interface, an antenna (not shown) may be included.

The set top control module 1480 may receive input signals from the network interface 1485 and an external interface 1487, which can send and receive data via cable, broadband Internet, and/or satellite. The set top control module 1480 may process signals, including encoding, decoding, filtering, and/or formatting, and generate output signals. The output signals may include audio and/or video signals in standard and/or high definition formats. The output signals may be communicated to the network interface 1485 and/or to the display 1481. The display 1481 may include a television, a projector, and/or a monitor.

The power supply 1482 provides power to the components of the set top box 1478. Memory 1483 may include random access memory (RAM) and/or nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, phase change memory, or multi-state memory, in which each memory cell has more than two states. The storage device 1484 may include an optical storage drive, such as a DVD drive, and/or a hard disk drive (HDD).

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims. 

1. An electrical distribution system for distributing electrical power throughout a residence, the electrical distribution system comprising: a plurality of electrical distribution lines configured to distribute electrical power to one or more appliances; and an electrical panel in communication with (i) a utility company and (ii) the plurality of electrical distribution lines, wherein the electrical panel is configured to receive the electrical power from the utility company, and distribute the electrical power onto the plurality of electrical distribution lines for consumption by the one or more appliances, wherein the electrical panel is further configured to receive, from the utility company, time data indicating a current time of day, and provide, through the plurality of electrical distribution lines, the time data to each of the one or more appliances so that the one or more appliances can keep track of the current time of day.
 2. The electrical distribution system of claim 1, wherein the time data is provided from the utility company in the format of a message comprising an address and a header.
 3. The electrical distribution system of claim I, wherein the electrical panel is further configured to reduce an electrical load to the one or more appliances based on a load management signal received from the utility company.
 4. The electrical distribution system of claim 1, wherein the time data is addressable to all or less than all of the one or more appliances.
 5. A method for distributing electrical power throughout a residence, the method comprising: receiving, at an electrical panel of a residence, electrical power from a utility company; and distributing the electrical power from the electrical panel to one or more appliances associated with the residence via a plurality of electrical distribution lines in communication with the one or more appliances, wherein receiving the electrical power from the utility company further comprises receiving, from the utility company, time data indicating a current time of day, and wherein distributing the electrical power from the electrical panel to one or more appliances comprises providing the time data over the plurality of electrical distribution lines to the one or more appliances so that the one or more appliances can keep track of the current time of day.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the time data is provided from the utility company in the format of a message comprising an address and a header.
 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising reducing an electrical load to the one or more appliances based on a load management signal received from the utility company.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the time data is addressable to all or less than all of the one or more appliances. 